Yesterday on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at approximately 12:30 pm an American woodcock was seen near the bird blind on the Sheep Pasture property. The sighting was for the briefest of moments as the woodcock was flushed from its hiding spot near the trail’s edge. Trained eyes searched desperately near where the bird seemed to land, but this woodcock had effectively disappeared into the woods. Upon mentioning that a woodcock had been spotted, shock and awe were displayed because this is a bird rarely seen here, at least commonly seen anymore. Therefore the question is, “What is the American woodcock’s story here in Massachusetts?” Let’s learn more about this fascinating bird!

Interestingly enough, the American woodcock is considered a shorebird but is not found along the shore. Its ideal habitat is amongst the leaf litter of deciduous forests or hidden in shrub covered fields. The woodcock is a migratory bird species and spends its winters in the warmer regions of Texas and along the Gulf Coast states before traveling north in early spring to breed within the younger forests across the eastern United States. This is perhaps the most striking part of the American woodcock’s ecology. Their mating rituals during springtime have long been recognized as one of the more impressive displays of courtship found in nature. In the classic book, Sand County Almanac, famous conservationist Aldo Leopold describes his experience witnessing a dancing male:

“Knowing the place and the hour, you seat yourself under a bush to the east of the dance floor and wait, watching against the sunset for the woodcock’s arrival. He flies in low from some neighboring thicket, alights on the bare moss, and at once begins the overture: a series of queer throaty peents spaced about two seconds apart, and sounding much like the summer call of the nighthawk. Suddenly the peenting ceases and the bird flutters skyward in a series of wide spirals, emitting a musical twitter. Up and up he goes, the spirals steeper and smaller, the twittering louder and louder, until the performer is only a speck in the sky. Then, without warning, he tumbles like a crippled plane, giving voice in a soft liquid warble that a March bluebird might envy. At a few feet from the ground he levels off and returns to his peenting ground, usually to the exact spot where the performance began, and there resumes his peenting.It is soon too dark to see the bird on the ground, but you can see his flights against the sky for an hour, which is the usual duration of the show. On moonlight nights, however, it may continue, at intervals, as long as the moon continues to shine …”

The American woodcock is indeed a compelling and amusing bird, but what has happened to it? Why is it a rare sight in the state of Massachusetts and throughout the rest of the eastern U.S.? As mentioned above, the woodcock thrives in younger forests where the thicket community is much denser. This habitat provides excellent cover for the bird, thereby increasing its chances for survival. Unfortunately, less than 5% of forests in Massachusetts are considered young forest habitats. This is largely due to maintenance of private landowners whose practices have resulted in older, mature forests and consequently have contributed to the decline of woodcock populations in the state. This could be why we do not see as many courtship displays as we used to.

What’s being done to help the American woodcock? The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife has teamed up with The Ruffed Grouse Society, the Wildlife Management Institute and Cowl’s Land and Lumber Company of North Amherst to lead the American Woodcock Initiative. Click here to read more about the program and find out what is being done to restore important habitat for woodcocks and other animals.

It’s that time of year again when new feathery friends will begin visiting your backyard trees, bushes, and bird feeders. Annual spring migrations are starting for many different bird species, which means this is a particularly exciting time of year for bird lovers.

Through networks of birdwatchers and surveyors who compile and report an abundance of data, we are able to estimate when bird species will begin their migrations and when they will arrive in certain areas along their routes. For the birds, migration is timed very specifically and often coincides with weather events, melting snow, and the emergence of insects. Keep in mind that timing varies year to year and depends on the above factors. However, once these birds reach their final destinations, they have the spring and summer to stake a territory, build a nest, lay eggs, and raise their young before the fall migration.

For our region you may expect to see purple martins and broad winged hawks passing through during the first two weeks of April. From April 16-30 keep an eye out for traveling barn swallows, ruby throated hummingbirds, black and white warblers, and northern parulas. Early May will bring us indigo buntings, baltimore and orchard orioles, rose breasted grosbeaks, and blue winged warblers. Click here for a full list of spring migratory birds for the northeast region, including migration maps and dates.

As excited as we become upon seeing our forests and fields come alive during this time of year, it is important to remember the current threats facing migratory birds. Changing climates disrupt timing patterns and threaten major habitats. Buildings and cars also pose a huge danger for birds; on average 300 million to 1 billion birds die each year from hitting buildings, and millions more die from being struck by cars. Furthermore, 1 million each day die from attacks by pet cats, and the majority of these deaths occur during spring and fall migrations. Want to help migratory birds? Click here and read about the top 10 ways to assist.

Read more information on migration basics, how birds find their way, and how scientists study migration.

As some of you may know this week we held our Winter Wings February Break Program. Some of you may think that there aren’t many birds around in the winter but you would be surprised. There are many species that stick around Massachusetts in the winter months and there are even some that migrate here in the winter too. In this post I’ll tell you about a few of the lesser known birds that winter in our area and can be seen at your bird feeders.

The dark-eyed junco is a sparrow-sized bird that spread all over North America in winter. They eat mostly seeds but in the breeding season they will eat insects as well. If you see these spritely little birds hopping around your feeder you know winter has begun!

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​As the name suggests the eastern bluebird has vibrant blue, white and red-brown feathers. Insects are the bluebird’s food of choice but in the winter they will also eat small fruits and berries. You can find some bluebird boxes at Sheep Pasture so look out for them while you’re visiting!

Pine siskins are little brown and yellow finches that would rather hop branch to branch than along the ground. Pine trees and other conifers are their tree of choice and have often been seen clinging upside down on a branch to get a tasty pine cone. These seed eaters will feast on deciduous tree seeds, young buds, ragweed and grass seeds. If you would like to see a pine siskin at your bird feeder provide smaller seeds like thistle and oil sunflower.

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Common redpolls are perky grey and red finches that forage in flocks all around the country. They are commonly seen at feeders, and will eat the seeds of birch trees and sedges in the winter. Not only can you see these birds in the winter but you can hear them as well; they make a long trill that can last up to a minute!

​Now that you know about some winter birds here are some bird feeder tips and tricks:1. Observe your yard to see where your backyard birds are hanging out2. Have multiple feeders with different types of seeds3. Have feeders away from windows to avoid collisions4. Provide fruit and berries as well as seeds5. Have feeders at different heights

Winter always seems to be the time a year when you look out your window and think, “Ugh, there is nothing out there but cold!” It’s the time of year when most of us are sick of the gray sky, tired of the short days, and desperately awaiting the arrival of warmth. We want sun, we want greenery, we want shorts and we want it now! However, what if the barren landscape you think you see is actually a perfect time of year to learn more about your environment. Instead of shutting your eyes and going into full hibernation mode, stay curious and ask yourself, “What’s going on out there?” Here are some ideas on how to stay engaged with nature, even during the toughest and seemingly bleakest time of year. ​Winter is an excellent time to study trees. Take some time to sketch silhouettes of different types of evergreens and deciduous trees. This practice will help you focus more on general shapes of each species and help sharpen those identification skills by learning what makes each tree type distinctive. Focusing on and sketching tree bark patterns is another great winter activity for becoming tree identification experts. How does the pattern of pine tree bark compare to oak tree bark? What about birch bark? If you are not sure what tree species you are observing, sketch it anyway! Include as many details as you can and research it later.

Winter is also a great time to learn more about the native animals that are living near your home. Record which animals you see throughout the winter, which animals sleep some of the time, which animals may be hibernating. Come to Sheep Pasture and look for evidence of animal activity, whether that may be tracks in the snow or cracked open seeds that were left behind. Challenge yourself and your kids to write a creative story from just those tracks or seeds that were found.

Position a bird feeder outside a window and get yourself a backyard birder field guide. Take some time to sketch your avian visitors and become an expert on the birds that stay here during the winter. You could even make your very own bird seed treats to hang around the backyard to attract blue jays, cardinals, juncos, nuthatches, woodpeckers, robins, and much more! Simply search “homemade bird feed recipes” for some fun and easy recipes for the whole family to enjoy!

If you are looking for more ideas for not only discovering your winter world but gaining a wider appreciation of nature throughout the entire year, pick up a copy of Keeping A Nature Journal: Discover a Whole New Way of Seeing the World Around You by Clare Walker Leslie. This book is full of creative assignments and tips for different sketching techniques and keeping a nature journal. So get your hands on a notebook and look out your window, explore your backyard, or come on down to Sheep Pasture! Let the wonders of winter begin!!!

The songs of birds are a welcome sound of spring, but did you know you can increase the number and types of birds that you attract simply by adjusting your backyard landscaping. The habitat you create in your backyard can become a beautiful place for you to relax and enjoy nature. The easiest way to attract more birds to your backyard is to add bird feeders, nest boxes, and bird baths.

Putting in bird feeders will draw nearby or migrating birds to your yard. If you remember to keep the feeders full, the birds will become repeat visitors as learn that your yard provides a reliable source of food. Set up your feeders so that they are visible from inside. It can be very enjoyable to watch the birds come and go as you’re scrubbing a pot or pan at the kitchen sink.To entice the birds to stick around your yard, consider installing nesting boxes. A nest box will give your favorite birds a safe place to build nests and rear their young. Make sure that your boxes are installed well before the breeding season begins but don’t be discouraged if birds don’t begin nesting in them immediately; sometimes it takes time for the birds to discover them. In Massachusetts, it is best to have the nest boxes up my mid to late march. For tips of choosing the right type of nest box, check out this website.

Finally, add a bird bath to your back yard. For birds, a bath is not just a matter of hygiene. Bathing allows birds to keep their feathers clean. Having dirty feathers can keep a bird from flying well and they won’t protect the body from wind, snow, heat and other elements. A natural birdbath is a puddle, so the best birdbath that you can provide your feathery friends is one that imitates a puddle. The bath should be round or oval with a flat bottom and sloping sides. It should be no deeper than three inches and the bottom surface allow the bird to get secure footing. ​All of these items can be purchased from your local hardware store, or can be made at home with a little creativity. Once your yard is all set up, sit back and enjoy the view!

Wildlife is everywhere in Massachusetts. But as growth and development rates increase, habitat for wildlife is shrinking. The large tracts of undisturbed land just don’t exist anymore; someone has put a house there. Have you noticed lately, houses seem to be built in places we didn’t think they would or could? These animals are going to have to adapt, and small, welcoming backyard wildlife habitats might be a worthwhile answer to this problem.

Start by planting trees, shrubs and perennials for the birds, called “birdscaping”. The rule is to mimic nature, tall trees in the back, medium sized shrubs, and finally small perennials down in front. Read below for some tips on getting your Backyard Habitat started!

Supply the four main ingredients and wildlife will come to live in YOUR backyard too.

1. Water2. Food3. Shelter/cover4. Nesting materials

Directions: Grow native plants for food and shelter. Add water. Stir in a few plants as nesting materials. Don’t be too neat, leave a brush pile as a hiding place. Watch what will show up when you supply the right ingredients!

Food sources can include native species of plants. Some examples include Serviceberry, Pine, Oaks, Sumac, and Elderberry. Try to keep invasive plants out of your yard, they might not be as enticing to your backyard critters. After cleaning up the yard, leave the brush pile in the backyard. Small animals will hide and possibly nest there. Water sources will also work to lure wildlife to your habitat. Finally, remember to keep your pet cat indoors. While they love the song birds as much as you do, they love them as dinner!

From there, all you need to do it sit back and wait for the wildlife! And once you have all the right ingredients go to the NWF's Backyard Wildlife Habitat site and apply for certification.

At this time of year in New England you may have seen groups of one of the area's larger wild birds, the wild turkey. If you see a group of birds together in summer, chances are they may be a female (hen) and her young (poults). Male birds tend to be more solitary, and they can often be identified by their long, hair-like "beard" on their chest, as well as their brightly colored head when they are excited. Both sexes are sleek, brownish-black birds with impressive wingspans; males are larger than females, but both birds are large. They are all strong fliers who roost in trees each night for protection from predators.

Current populations of wild turkeys in Massachusetts were introduced in the early 1970's, after they had been eradicated from the state in the early 1900's. Statewide, the birds were introduced between 1979 and 1996, and populations flourished in much of the state. Locally, turkeys are often seen at schools, parks, residential areas, and even on the side of highways, and they have become a regular sight throughout the area. Males and females come together in larger groups to breed, where the males will make a puffed-up feather display to attract a mate - what more people think a turkey "really" looks like all of the time.

When turkeys are young they eat mostly insects, including grubs, worms, beetles, and other bugs. As they grow older, the adults prefer to eat plant-based foods, such as nuts, berries, and plants. You may even see wild turkeys eating under your backyard bird feeder, as they enjoy a snack of bird food left in the grass. Even if you do not see the birds themselves, turkey tracks are large and distinctive, having three toes in front and a smaller "heel" mark in the back. The footprints of males (toms) can be over 4 1/4" long or larger.

Turkeys are generally not dangerous to pets and humans, although, like most animals, they will defend their young if necessary. Males can sometimes become more aggressive and territorial, chasing people or pets from an area they consider "theirs". The size of an angry turkey makes them truly something you would want to deal with up close. As with all wildlife, if you see a turkey, it is best to view them from a distance so they do not become scared or defensive. Pets should never be allowed to approach any wildlife, for the safety of both animals. Also, if you happen to see a turkey crossing the road, be aware that where you see one, there may be more soon to follow! Proceed with caution before driving by the area.

Wild turkeys are beautiful and successful animals found throughout our area. Seeing one can remind you of how great and diverse our natural world really is!

A few weeks ago, the Sheep Pasture naturalists discovered a small nest located just at eye level on the Rhododendron Trail and saw that a pair of cardinals had decided to make their home there! Over the next few days, the naturalists were able to document the new family as the nest filled first with eggs, then with hatchlings, and on to hungry baby birds! Each time they visited, our staff were careful not to disturb the family any more than necessary, but they did see both the male and female cardinals in the area near the nest.

The eggs of cardinals take about 12 days to hatch, and the babies will grow and move out from the nest at about 11 days after that. Adult cardinal pairs can have up to two broods of eggs each year, producing up to four young at a time.

Since cardinals do not migrate seasonally, and most live within one mile of the place they were born, it is very likely that we will see these baby cardinals as adults at Sheep Pasture in the future!

If you happen to see a nest as you walk through the woods, please be sure not to disturb it so that our woods can be filled with beautiful birds each season!